Solskjaer turned down Norway job

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he turned down the chance to become Norway coach following the recent resignation of Aage Hareide. Hareide stepped down from the post in December after the team failed to win a single match in 2008.

OLE Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he turned down the chance to become Norway coach following the recent resignation of Aage Hareide.

Hareide stepped down from the post in December after the team failed to win a single match in 2008.

Former striker Solskjaer confirmed he was offered the job by the Norwegian FA (NFF) soon after Hareide's departure, but turned it down because of his role as reserve-team coach at Manchester United.

"I didn't think it was the right time for me to accept the job, although obviously it was an honour to be asked," the 38-year-old told TV2.

"I'm working at Manchester United and my coaching career is on the right path. Obviously it would have been exciting to take a much bigger job than the one I have, but right now I've agreed to do the job I have at United.

"My boss (Sir Alex Ferguson) also has a lot of respect for the fact I didn't leave for the first job that came along.

"But it was difficult to say no to the NFF. The biggest job you can get is as Norway coach, but at this point in time it's not for me."

Egil Olsen was recently handed the Norway reins until the end of the year.